27 Dec 1941
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 16 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Dec 27, 1941
Page
1
Wartime dispatch details heavy bombardment and widespread damage as Hong Kong surrenders after days of intense fighting. Civilians face shortages as water supplies fail and military and civilian care centers report high casualties amid advancing Japanese forces.
A Wednesday evening comment suggests considering withdrawal from Manila to declare it an open city and spare residents. The Associated Press noted belligerents view Manila as open, with leaders discussing arrangements at conferences in Ottawa.
An early Soviet communique claims massive German casualties on the Moscow front with about 10,200 killed and over 20,000 wounded in recent fighting near critical approaches. The report notes heavy losses as operations continue along the front, with sustained Russian gains reported by the agency.
British and Allied forces press the retreating Axis across Libya from Benghazi toward Tripoli. Reports describe mobile columns striking enemy outposts, destroying vehicles and petrol stock, and taking prisoners. Rome and Algiers communiques cite thousands captured and ongoing pursuit through Sollum and Benghazi pockets.
The Australian Minister conferred with Winston Churchill and others on Wednesday night to discuss defense of Singapore and the Far East. The talks emphasized the importance of strong fortifications and allied support for the defense of the region, including the Philippines and surrounding territories.
Navy disclose fewer than 400 Marines with 17 fighter planes held Wake Island for 14 days against heavy Japanese attacks. Major James Deversanc commanded a garrison with six 6 inch guns twelve 4 inch anti aircraft guns and lighter weapons. The force sank a Japanese cruiser and three destroyers and shot down several aircraft. Tokyo radio claimed 1400 prisoners at Wake Island including the American commander.
In Adelaide a naval report says at least three Japanese suicide plots targeted capital ships, with planes crashing near the Prince of Wales before its sinking. Survivors were picked up by destroyers as Japanese plans, claimed by witnesses, were not fully successful.
Major of the Australian troops expresses confidence to the Minister for the Army Mr. Forde. He notes that the ALP stands strong and would uphold traditions from previous battles. The overall tone is optimistic about the military effort.
In Melbourne on Friday, key decisions emerged from a conference between Minister for Defence Amy and army representatives. Mr Forde will relay the discussions to the War Cabinet and War Council next week.
Communiques describe aircraft missions performing reconnaissance over Greenwich Island near the equator in the BiMark Archipelago areas. Observations included locating enemy stores and installations while flights surveyed the region near Japanese, Australian, and New Zealand territories.
An Anglo American talks group led by General Wavell in Chungking with Major General Brett and Chinese War Minister Chiang Kai-shek. British and American military missions participated and harmony was reported on questions of military strategy in the Far East. General Wavell has returned to the UK.
Fragmented dispatch reports Japanese landings at Sarawak raise fears of a swift war as forces gather. Kuching sheltering remnants, radio interference noted, while defense chatter mentions rubber and plantation areas at risk. Britons bomb shipping off Mchak possibly reporting air action near coast.
London dispatch cites Moscow radio claiming many German specialists serve with Japanese air and sea forces. It notes German personnel abroad on Japanese warships and references U.S. and Canadian governments preparing actions to restore the status quo of island possessions amid calls for unity with Free French forces.
Disjointed notes report that the Sido-Jap conflict shows rising strain as fronts in Hunan and eastern provinces shift. A Canadian PM statement hints at changing defense lines and uneasy alliance terms amid strategic withdrawals and renewed offensives.
Sydney reports President Roosevelt reaffirms wartime security guarantee to Australia. He stresses joint defense planning with Britain and the United States, aims to promote mutual understanding, trade, and coordinated action against threats. Official dispatch notes Australia’s safety as a key priority in allied strategy.
A fragmentary 20th century article discusses American teaching programs for aliens and civic obligations. It references Columbia University figures and a peace-time focus, noting reforms in education and governance, with unclear details due to OCR damage.
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